In-depth reporting on government actions, political parties, and policy debates in Panama. We track elections, legislative changes, and the actors shaping public life.
Panama’s bid to join the OECD is driving renewed pressure for transparency, stronger institutions, and rule-of-law reforms. The process could reshape the country’s investment climate and global reputation.
A new education reform proposal in Panama seeks to give schools more autonomy while keeping the Ministry of Education involved in the process. Supporters say the goal is system-wide transformation through consensus.
Panama will host sessions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in May, with regional human rights issues set to be on the agenda. The event highlights the country’s diplomatic role in the Americas.
President José Raúl Mulino used discretionary funds to help pay for repairs to the Palace of the Garzas dining room. The spending adds to a broader renovation effort at the presidential residence and keeps attention on the use of the fund.
Panama has confirmed that Israeli President Isaac Herzog will visit in May after the trip was kept private at the request of the Panamanian side. The visit adds a notable diplomatic engagement to Panama’s spring agenda.
Panama’s Passport Authority suspended service nationwide from April 27 to 29 after a power interruption disrupted its systems. Applicants who finished their process by April 24 can still pick up passports at their assigned offices.
Panama has confirmed that Israeli President Isaac Herzog will visit in May, following diplomatic coordination between both countries. The planned trip highlights continued ties between Panama and Israel.
Misión Patitas held its 26th sterilization day in Colón, with the First Lady and President José Raúl Mulino attending the event. The campaign also paired veterinary care with free mobile health services for residents.
Panama’s Passport Authority suspended public service until Wednesday after an electrical failure and technology problems disrupted operations. The reopening will be announced through official channels.
At least 42 people were killed in Chad after a dispute over water escalated into reprisal attacks. The army has intervened and the government says the situation is under control.
Russia attacked Odesa as managers at the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant said a Ukrainian strike killed one worker. The incidents highlight the war’s continuing threat to civilians, shipping and nuclear safety.
North Korea has opened a memorial museum in Pyongyang honoring troops tied to Russia’s war effort, a visible sign of deeper military cooperation with Moscow. The move highlights the expanding geopolitical alignment around the Ukraine conflict.
US-Israeli strikes on Iran are fueling alarm that force, rather than diplomacy, is weakening the nuclear non-proliferation system. The fallout could ripple beyond the Middle East, including in Latin America’s long-standing nuclear-disarmament framework.
Attention on the Panama Canal is intensifying as global trade and U.S.-China competition collide at one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes. The canal remains vital to Panama’s economy and to international commerce.
Iran is exploring diplomatic options with regional partners as Donald Trump says Tehran can contact him directly if it wants talks. The moves highlight growing pressure to find an end to the war and reduce wider regional fallout.
Panama’s New Business conviction remains largely unenforced, with prison terms, a multimillion-dollar fine and share seizures still pending execution. Authorities are now moving on corporate dissolutions and the recovery of Epasa shares.
Panama’s National Assembly is moving toward a rules overhaul that would restrict nepotism, expand public access to sessions, and tighten attendance penalties. The proposal stops short of changing lawmakers’ salaries and other privileges that have triggered public criticism.
Panama’s scientific sector is expanding, but leaders warn that uneven salaries and fierce competition for specialists are pulling talent between institutions. Officials say the country needs stronger incentives to keep researchers and technicians in place.
Antonio Tercero González is poised to lead IDAAN at a time of chronic water shortages, weak project execution and aging infrastructure. His challenge is to improve a system that affects daily life across Panama.
The New Business case has renewed criticism of Panama’s justice system after a conviction for money laundering went partially unenforced and a large fine remained unpaid. The dispute is now a broader test of institutional strength and equal treatment under the law.